“We jointly issued a statement on the operationalization of the International Tropical Peatland Center. Together with the Republic of Congo and the DRC, we will operate the ITPC, with its temporary secretariat in Jakarta,” Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said.
He delivered the statement during the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on Tuesday, November 18, underscoring Indonesia’s push to accelerate joint action on peatland protection.
Indonesia highlighted its leadership in tropical peatland management by fast-tracking ITPC operations, positioning the center as a global hub for knowledge-sharing, science-based restoration efforts, and coordinated strategies to protect vulnerable peatland ecosystems.
Minister Nurofiq said safeguarding tropical peatlands is not only a national priority but a fundamental responsibility, as these ecosystems play a critical role in regulating the climate and preserving biodiversity.
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“Peatlands are powerful natural carbon reservoirs. Protecting them is not only an ecological responsibility but a moral duty that demands urgent action, strong collaboration, and a long-term vision,” he said.
He added that strengthening ITPC offers a strategic platform to link science, policy, and climate financing, enabling countries to safeguard peat carbon stocks while improving livelihoods for communities dependent on peat ecosystems.
Nurofiq said Indonesia, the DRC, and the Republic of Congo will present a joint agenda at a United Nations Environment Programme meeting in Nairobi in December to encourage more peatland nations to join the ITPC initiative.
“We will encourage all countries with peatland potential to work together in addressing this shared challenge, strengthening collective action for climate and ecosystem resilience,” he said.
Indonesia also called for continued UNEP support for the FOLU Net Sink 2030 program, which aims to reach net-zero emissions from the forestry and land-use sectors by 2030 through sustainable management and restoration measures.
According to the Environment Ministry, the ITPC is expected to strengthen carbon-accounting methodologies, improve peat-fire prevention, and advance restoration-based livelihood models aligned with Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 commitments.
Related news: Indonesia, Republic of Congo agree on peatlands restoration
Translator: Anita, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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